Bucket list experience:
Italy
Venice is best known as a centre of religious art, daubed across small yet stunning Catholic churches and scuole. But there’s also a vibrant contemporary art scene: a slew of good commercial art galleries, the palatial collections of world-class patrons such as Peggy Guggenheim, and the world-famous Venice Biennale.
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Destination Guide >Venice, Veneto, Italy
From Titian to Tiepolo, the Accademia’s world-class collection represents the Golden Age of Venetian painting. A dazzling collection of masterpieces but also a voyage through the history of Venice itself.
Best for ages: 18+ | £15
Venice, Veneto, Italy
Venice’s 400-odd historic scuole (schools) were established partly as religious institutions, partly as guilds. The six most powerful ‘Scuole Grandi’ commissioned the great artists of the day to beautify their headquarters, where today the artworks are still intact.
Best for ages: 18+ | £0
Venice, Veneto, Italy
Of all Venice’s many churches, the huge, Franciscan barn-like Frari (1338-1469) is one of the most art-packed. It boasts the second-highest bell tower in the city and a severe exterior, but once inside, the quality of the art is extraordinary.
Best for ages: 18+ | £2
Venice, Veneto, Italy
Way off-piste in northern Cannaregio, Madonna ‘of the Garden’ (1399-1473) is stuffed with paintings by the great Venetian master who is also buried here along with his son and daughter. A highlight is his beautiful painting of St. Agnes in the Contarini Chapel.
Best for ages: 18+ | £2
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Venice
€240 | Rating 4.04 / 5 [22 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Venice, Veneto, Italy
Perfect for a honeymoon or other romantic celebrations, this intimate, stylish and sophisticated bolt-hole lies just across a pretty bridge from the Salute church in artsy Dorsoduro. The rooms are extravagant and sexy, the service personalised and charming.
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Venice, Veneto, Italy
A legendary 5-star resort hotel that combines the beauties of La Serenissima with A-grade facilities and service. Its dreamy Giudecca location is a boon when the calle of Venice’s historic centre are clogged with tourists in high season.
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Venice, Veneto, Italy
An 11-room boutique hotel with a lovely courtyard, personalised service and a centralissima location within easy reach of the Accademia, the Rialto and Piazza San Marco. The contemporary, design-led interior provides a refreshing contrast to the usual flock wallpaper and swathes of brocade.
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Venice, Veneto, Italy
The grandest Dame of Venice’s classic hotels and wonderfully opulent, the Gritti lords it over the Grand Canal from a superb spot across from the Salute church and just 10 minutes’ walk from Piazza San Marco.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Veneto, Italy
Crammed with picturesque canals, Renaissance palazzos and artistic masterpieces, this unique and alluring city is heaven-on-earth for art lovers and romantics.
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
The top cities and regions for world-class art museums and cutting-edge galleries. A feast for art lovers, and home to the masterpieces everyone should see.
